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Updated: May 15, 2026

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
Exploring organic contaminant and natural organic matter interactions across environmental systems using fluorescence
Giulia Paolella1, Massimiliano Fabbricino2, Annamaria Locascio3
1Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy; Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Interactions between organic emerging contaminants and natural organic matter (NOM) fractions play a pivotal role in determining the mobility, bioavailability, transformation, and persistence of pollutants across environmental compartments. This review synthesizes current knowledge on these processes in soils, wastewater treatment plant effluents, freshwater, and marine environments, with the aim of reconstructing the environmental fate of contaminant/NOM fractions complexes. Fluorescence spectroscopy, a rapid, sensitive, and non-destructive analytical technique, has proven effective in detecting both strong and weak interactions, characterizing NOM fractions, and identifying structural changes upon contaminant binding. Despite its high potential for mechanistic investigations and environmental monitoring, available studies remain limited and unevenly distributed, with marine systems being particularly underexplored. Major challenges include the limited understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of contaminant/NOM fractions complexes, their reversibility, and their influence on pollutant fate under variable environmental conditions. Advancing integrated approaches that combine fluorescence spectroscopy with complementary analytical methods will enhance our ability to predict contaminant behavior and support the development of more effective environmental monitoring and risk management strategies.
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